Roman Silver & Bronze - Imperial

Lot 3313    SESSION 12 (11.30AM THURSDAY 21ST NOV)    Roman Silver & Bronze - Imperial

Estimate $200
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $200

JULIA PAULA (WIFE OF ELAGABALUS), (A.D. 219), silver denarius, (2.52 g), obv. draped bust of Julia Paula to right, around IVLIA PAVLA AVG, rev. female (Pax) standing to left holding baton (or branch) and sceptre, around P M TR P II COS P P, (S.-, RIC -, RSC.-); Julia Maesa, grandmother of Elagabalus, (A.D. 218-222, d.225), silver denarius, Rome mint, (3.51 g), issued 220-222, obv. draped bust of Julia Maesa to right, around IVLIA MAESA AVG, rev. around SAECVLI FELICITAS, Felicitas standing half left, sacrificing at altar, holding patera and caduceus, star in right field, (S.7757, RIC 271, RSC 45, BMC 79). Toning, first coin appears to be plated, otherwise very fine, unpublished and probably unique, being a reverse relevant for Elagabalus but used for his second wife Julia Paula, second coin good very fine and scarce. (2)

Second coin ex Noble Numismatics, Sale 92, lot 5213.

The first coin displays a most interesting reverse for Julia Paula. It was probably based on an unpublished reverse type of Elagabalus although the Imperial titles are not consistent for Elagabalus and the reverse appears unknown for this ruler. Such a reverse would never be used by a wife of a ruler and could only occur by mixing of dies (known for some rulers and issues). We believe it to be an ancient plated forgery made from two incompatible dies of excellent style.